Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is a relatively modern city which is less than 200 years old and never sits still. New futuristic designs add to the fascinating mix of architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing. Melbourne is very much about lifestyle. It is no huge surprise to residents that their city has been ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Melbournians embrace three things in particular:

>> sport (Australian Rules football is almost a religion);
>> fashion (the look is chic with a dash of quirky); and
>> festivals (the calendar is packed year round).

They even embrace their notoriously changeable weather. A standing joke in Australia is that Melbourne can experience four seasons in a day. But, really, it’s just another example of how they have it all!

Sometimes, the best part of visiting a new city is when you unexpectedly depart from the tourist trail and glimpse the city’s “real” side. While the big attractions can be great fun, often it’s the more subtle “insider” experiences that leave you feeling really satisfied.

Warning: you might never want to go back home.